NBA Investigating Perkins/ Randolph Incident

Though it was much less than what you would consider an altercation on the court, the incident between OKC’s Kendrick Perkins and Memphis’ Zach Randolph is being investigated by the NBA.

Usually, a semi-scuffle between two noted aggressive players isn’t very much in the way of higher-up commotion. It wasn’t like this was Detroit. But, this investigation is hardly a surprise when you consider that the incident didn’t end on the court.

The Memphis/ OKC match-up was one of ESPN’s marquee Wednesday night match-ups, nationally televised and all. Court side mics quite clearly picked up threats that both players exchanged. It turns out that they weren’t just talking smack, as Perkins made a dash to the hallway leading to team locker rooms, awaiting a continuation of the altercation. Randolph and Perkins exchanged some more words after the game and, reportedly, there was some shoving going on.

At the end of the night, both players were separated, ushered to their respective locker rooms, went on with their lives. Memphis had won the game at OKC by a score of 107-97. Both Perkins and Randolph largely downplayed the incident.

“It wasn’t nothin’,” [Randolph] said…

“You do have to see this team three more times and we can’t be showing no signs of weakness.”, said Perkins

The last thing that Randolph needs is another reason for the NBA to suspend him for a relatively small incident like this. The very same notion goes for Perkins. Randolph is perhaps more important to his team, with the Grizzlies riding his nightly double-doubles to a 6-1 record to start the season.